Traffic lawyers cost$430 - $1,333

National average fixed price

Most common low price:$430
Most common high price:$1,333

How much does a traffic lawyer cost?

By Thumbtack Staff

Last updated Mon, Oct 20

The national average cost to hire a traffic lawyer ranges from around $430-$1,333, and most people pay around $758, according to Thumbtack data. The actual cost varies based on the nature of the case.

National average cost	$758
Low-end average cost	$430
High-end average cost	$1,333

Traffic attorneys can help people facing charges or who have received a major ticket for speeding, DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, red light violations, radar tickets, and other traffic violations. Even for minor tickets, trained professionals can help reduce charges and sometimes prevent clients from getting points against their driver’s license. In most states, traffic violations and crimes accrue points—the more severe the offense, the higher the number of points.

When drivers reach a certain number of points, their license can be suspended or revoked. Point accrual also raises insurance rates. Attorneys negotiate on clients’ behalf to reduce fines, limit the time spent in court, clear records or clear clients’ names if they were wrongly accused. Richard Fenbert of Fenbert & Associates in Chicago is a lawyer who primarily represents criminal and DUI cases and also helps clients with traffic violations. He’s provided insights on some of the cost factors of hiring a lawyer to help with traffic cases.

Common traffic cases
Common traffic case costs

Common traffic cases

The most common traffic cases in each state and region vary, based on the demographic and area traffic laws. In the Chicago area, Fenbert of Fenbert & Associates says the most common traffic cases he represents are driving while license is suspended or revoked, which is a misdemeanor. He also represents a lot of licensed commercial drivers, drivers under 21 years old and drivers under DUI suspensions because they have a greater interest in protecting their driver’s license than the average motorist.

Countrywide, misdemeanors can include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, hit and run, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. Misdemeanors can carry jail time and hefty fines. That’s why it can be helpful to have an experienced attorney help with the case. Attorneys can help reduce or eliminate jail time, lower fines, and potentially clear their clients’ names if they are innocent of the charge.

Traffic infractions include moving and nonmoving violations such as speeding, running a stop sign or parking illegally. A police officer can issue a ticket without a trial or court, unless the charged individual chooses to contest it. Multiple traffic infractions can lead to loss or suspension of a driver’s license.

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Common traffic case costs

Each traffic case is different, and rates for legal representation vary by state, region, attorney and court. Cases that require more time and effort—such as misdemeanor or felony traffic cases—cost more than a traffic infraction. Fenbert of Fenbert & Associates typically charges $350 per court date for misdemeanor traffic offenses. These cases may include a motion hearing, a trial or a sentencing hearing with the judge. Fenbert & Associates provides an hourly rate of $350 per hour as needed for legal representation. Here are some examples of traffic case costs from Fenbert & Associates:

Driving while license revoked due to a DUI conviction: $1,000

The case took three months to complete.
The client had a prior DUI conviction and was facing jail time. The attorneys filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence due to an illegal traffic stop. The attorneys won the motion hearing and the charges were eventually dismissed.

Speeding in excess of 35 mph over posted limit: $350

The case took one court date.
This type of traffic offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Through negotiations with the supervising attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, the offense was reduced from a misdemeanor to a petty offense (noncriminal) with court supervision (no conviction).

Commercial license violation: $350

The case took one court date.
The client was a licensed commercial driver (CDL) charged with a serious moving violation.
In order to keep driving with his company and not suffer a suspension, the client needed the serious moving violation reduced to a nonmoving violation.
After negotiations with State's Attorney's Office, the offense was reduced from a moving violation to a nonmoving violation.

Driving while under the influence (DUI)

How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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